Assistant VP of Research & AI Enablement

Old Dominion University; Norfolk (VA); Hybrid; USD 200,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA is seeking an Assistant Vice President of Research & AI Enablement to lead the university's AI-enabled research ecosystems, computing platforms, and integrated digital capabilities.

The role bridges research, teaching and operations by building scalable, secure, high-performance environments and translating capabilities into institutional impact across programs and partnerships.

Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field and demonstrated leadership in digital innovation.
• Experience with externally funded research initiatives.
• Experience leading across research, academic and operational domains.
• Knowledge of AI/ML applications in research contexts.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership for AI enablement, research computing and digital capabilities.
• Bridge research, teaching and operations to translate capabilities into institutional impact.
• Collaborate with researchers, faculty and stakeholders to align platforms with needs.

Skills

Leadership experience

Digital innovation

Research leadership

Collaboration with researchers and key

AI/ML technologies knowledge

Education

PhD in a relevant field (e.g., data science, information systems, educational technology, or related discipline)

Tools

GCP / AWS cloud platforms

High-performance computing

Job description

Assistant VP of Research & AI Enablement

Below you will find the details for the position including any supplementary documentation and questions you should review before applying for the opening.

Please see Special Instructions for more details.

Job Title

Job Title Assistant VP of Research & AI Enablement

Department

Position Number

Position Number FP623A

Location

Location Norfolk, VA

Job Summary

The Assistant Vice President for Research and AI Enablement provides strategic and operational leadership for the environments, platforms, and capabilities that enable, power, and operationalize the university’s research ecosystem through AI, research computing, and integrated digital capabilities.

Positioned within Digital Innovation, this role is uniquely designed to bridge research, teaching and learning, and operational innovation. It focuses on building and operating scalable, secure, and high-performance environments that support research, while translating those capabilities into broader institutional impact through instructional innovation and operational applications.

The AVP plays a critical role in connecting AI, research computing, and digital product development to enable new models of discovery, learning, and execution. By integrating these domains, the role helps translate research capabilities into applied solutions that support academic programs, institutional operations, and external partnerships.

The AVP serves as a key institutional connector, working closely with researchers, academic leadership, the University Information Security Office ( UISO ), and other stakeholders to ensure that research and innovation environments are aligned, secure, and responsive to evolving needs. The role also connects research, AI, and applied innovation through MonarchSphere, enabling the translation of research into scalable solutions, pilots, and real-world outcomes.

Position Type

Position Type FullTime

Type of Recruitment

Type of Recruitment General Public

Minimum Qualifications

• PhD in a relevant field (e.g., data science, information systems, educational technology, or related discipline)
• Comprehensive experience in research, including participation in or support of externally funded research initiatives
• Significant leadership experience in digital innovation, research computing, or technology-enabled research environments
• Considerable direct experience with research computing environments, cloud platforms (e.g. , GCP , AWS ), and high-performance computing
• Experience with AI/ML technologies and their application in research contexts
• Demonstrated ability to lead across research, academic, and operational domains
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with researchers, faculty, and institutional stakeholders

Preferred Qualifications

• Considerable experience in higher education or research-intensive institutions
• Considerable experience supporting interdisciplinary and data-intensive research initiative
• Familiarity with research funding landscapes and grant development processes
• Considerable experience aligning technology initiatives with instructional and research standards

Statement of Economic Interests

Salary range for this position is $200,000 – $230,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Sensitive Positions

This position is designated as sensitive. A fingerprint-based criminal history check will be required of the final candidate.

Conditions of Employment

This is a hybrid position, requiring a traditional 40-hour work week. Computer equipment will be supplied for remote work; high-speed internet is the responsibility of the employee.

• The equipment provided to staff with approved telework agreements enables them to deliver vital services to University faculty, staff, and students from remote locations.
• Many of our operations can and should continue as usual, even when the main physical campus is closed.
• Therefore, all division employees with an approved telework agreement are generally expected to work during official University closures.

Job Open Date

Job Open Date 10/28/2026

Open Until Filled Yes

Application Review Date

Application Review Date 11/04/2026

Job Close Date

Special Instructions to Applicants / Additional Materials Required

Please include a resume and cover letter with the completed application.

Criminal Background Check

The final candidate is required to complete a criminal history check.

Department Information

Equity Statement

It is the policy of Old Dominion University to provide equal employment, educational and social opportunities for all persons, without regard to race (or traits historically associated with race including hair texture, hair type, and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex or gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), national origin, gender identity or expression, age, veteran status, disability, political affiliation, sexual orientation or genetic information. Individuals from minoritized communities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Reasonable Accommodation Request

If you are an individual with a disability and require reasonable accommodation, please contact the Division of Talent Management and Culture at [phone].

Old Dominion University, located in Norfolk, is Virginia’s forward-focused public doctoral research university with more than 23,000 students, a top R1 research ranking, rigorous academics, an energetic residential community and initiatives that contribute $2.6 billion annually to Virginia’s economy.

Required Documents

• Resume
• Cover Letter/Letter of Application

Optional Documents

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

If you have questions:
Staff and Administrative & Professional Faculty applicants, please contact the Division of Talent Management and Culture at [phone] or [e-mail] .
Teaching and Research Faculty applicants, please contact the Office of Academic Affairs at [e-mail] .